The decision to give up your dog should never be an easy decision. Dogs are members of the family, and most of us love them dearly.  People have a lot of reasons for giving up their dogs, some of them good, some not so good.  Sometimes they feel they have no option, sometimes they just don’t know their options.

Resources to help you keep your dog.

FidosCityGuide, has lots of fun events to attend with your dog,  a photo contest, and fun places to take your dog, but it’s not all about fun and games.  You will find resource and information at FidosCityGuide that may help you keep your dog. 

 We have to move

There are many, dog friendly housing options available today.  While some do have size and breed restrictions there are many that do not.  Some only require certain breeds to have Canine Good Citizen Certification, or Temperament Testing.  Before you decide to move somewhere your dog may not be welcome, check out Fido’s MarketPlace for help in finding a dog friendly apartment.

 We can’t afford …..

There are a variety of organizations and programs that may be able to help with everything from dog food to fencing.  At Fido’s Friends you will find many support groups that may be able to make it possible for you to keep your dog.

 Behavioral Issues

Dogs are extremely intelligent animals with a desire to please, so don’t give up on your dog without allowing them the opportunity to be the best they can be.  At Fido’s Features you will find articles and books on training, and correcting behavioral problems.  If you need more help check out the trainers at Fido’s MarketPlace for some professional assistance.

Often a destructive dog is a bored dog,  check out the many dog sport groups listed at Fido’s Friends.  The Adventures and Events sections offer a wide range of activities where you and your dog can get some exercise have fun. 

We don’t have the time for the dog.

Spending time with your dog is a great way to relax, and can be a benefit to your life and health, as well as your dogs. If you really don’t have the time to take your dog for a walk, or a visit to the dog park consider one of the many dog walkers or doggie daycares at Fido’s MarketPlace.

 If you still feel you can not keep your dog here are some helpful tips to make sure your dog goes to a loving home.

  • Check with the breeder or shelter you got the dog from.  A good breeder will take the dog back or help you find a new home for them.  If you got the dog from a shelter, check the paperwork,  some shelters and rescue groups require that the dog be returned to them for re-homing.
  • Contact breed rescue groups, often these groups can help you find your dog a new forever home. 
  • Be prepared for it to take some time, especially with large or behaviorally challenged dogs.
  • Evaluate your dogs needs and virtues.  Is the dog good with kids? Hates cats, needs room to play,  loves to cuddle with people.  Be honest with yourself and potential families.  Hiding information will reduce the chance of the new home working out.
  • Make sure the dog is up to date on shots and is spayed or neutered.  Puppy mills and irresponsible breeders are always on the look out for intact dogs to add to their breeding programs.  These dogs are often kept in cages, receive little to no medical attention, and are often abused.  
  • A bath, nail trim, and a good brushing will help your dog to make a good first impression on prospective families.  Apply a good flea treatment,  no one wants a dog with fleas.
  • Determine a re-homing fee.  Free dogs are prime targets for labs and dog fight trainers.  If the prospective owner is not willing to pay $50-$150 dollars, they probably won’t be willing to put out the money for vaccines, licenses, or other necessary items for the dog’s care.   A great way to help other dogs at the same time is too arrange for the re-homing fee to go to a local shelter or rescue group.
  • Create a flyer with a picture of the dog, many local veterinary offices, pet stores and groomers will be happy to post the flyer. 
  • Advertise your dog on dog friendly sites, and in local papers.  Make them a t-shirt that says adopt me, and take them to dog friendly events, the dog park or other places where dog lovers hang out.

 

The Interview

Once you have received a call that someone is interested in your dog, explain that you want to make sure the dog goes to a good home, and what the adoption process will entail.  A detailed adoption procedure may deter some prospects,  it will also deter animal hoarders, abusers and animal brokers.

 Arrange a time for them to meet the dog and for you to interview them.

Arrange a time for the prospective family to meet you and the dog.  If you are uncomfortable with a meeting in your home consider meeting at a local park, or dog friendly coffee shop.

Prepare a list of questions for the interview.

  • Have you ever had a dog before?
  • What do you know about this breed of dog?
  • Will the dog be alone during the day?
  • Where will the dog sleep?
  • What kind of activities would you like to do with the dog?
  • Do you have other pets? Kids?
  • Do you have a fenced yard?
  • Are all members of the household in agreement about getting a dog?
  • Will you be doing training with the dog?
  • Do you rent or own your home?

 References

You want to be sure your dog is going to a good home, so you will want to get references, and take the time to check them out.  The following references are recommended.

  • Veterinarian, if they have had a pet before, who was their vet.  Ask the vet if previous animals have been kept up to date on vaccines and well cared for.
  • Groomers, trainers and other pet professionals are also excellent references.
  • Landlord, if the prospective family rents you will want to verify that they will be allowed to keep the dog.  Speak with the landlord to verify the property is pet friendly, and that the dog will meet weight and breed restrictions.
  • Get at least three personal references with names and phone numbers and talk to them.

Home visit

The first meeting went well, and the references checked out, so it’s time for a home visit.  Arrange a time to visit the family at their home.  Is this a home where the dog will be safe and happy?

 Adoption Contract

Ask the new owners to sign a contract, you can base the contract on those used by shelters and rescue groups.  Some items you may want to include:

  • That the dog will be their personal dog and that they are accepting responsibility for it’s care.
  • That the dog will be fed and provided with fresh water daily.
  •  affirm that no member of the household has been convicted of an animal welfare law violation such as neglect, cruelty, abandonment, etc.
  • If the new home or family doesn’t work out require the dog be returned to you for re-homing.
  • Confirm that you will follow up in 3-6 months to verify that the new owners are meeting the terms of the contract.

 Packing for the move to a new home & family

Along with the dogs leash, hand the new family a notebook to get them started out right.  Including:

  • Medical Records and the name and number of your vet.
  • Information on allergies, medicines, special diet information and any other health issues.
  • The names and numbers of the groomer, trainer, daycare, or other pet professionals that you use.  This will provide the new owners with resources and a history of the dog.
  • Microchip information and how to update the contact information.
  •  AKC registration information/ CGC Certification or other such documents.
  • The dogs likes, dislikes and any behavioral issues.
  • Tape your contract information to the inside cover.

 Adapting to the new home & family

Your dog will not understand what is happening,  it is very stressful for them and they may be depressed for several days.  To assist in the transition provide the new owners with the following items.

  • A supply of the dogs favorite food and treats.  Changes in diet can cause digestive issues for dogs, especially when already stressed with a move to a new home.  Allow adjustments in diet to occur over a period of time.
  • Food and water bowls.  Many dogs do not eat well at times like this,  having the food and water bowls they are used to will help with the adjustment.
  • Blanket, crate, or other bedding.  The first night in their new home will be much more comfortable if they can sleep in the bed they are used too.
  • Toys, and other favorite items.  Often having a favorite toy or bone to chew on will help reduce a dogs stress.
  • Their own Collar and leash.

 Properly re-homing a dog is not a simple, quick or easy process,  but it is a process that is vital to assuring the future health and welfare of the animal.

 Never abandon a dog to fend for themselves.  Domestic animals are not equipped to survive on their own.  A very few abandoned dogs are lucky enough to end up in a shelter,  even less get lucky and find someone to care for them.  Most starve, are hit by cars, suffer illness, or other cruel and painful fates. If you are unable to re-home your dog yourself, please surrender it to a shelter.

button Re homing your dog?

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